Get Rid of Painful Canker Sores with Quick and Minimally Invasive Laser Treatment
If you have experienced a canker sore, you know how painful it can be. And how can you forget these mouth sores need about two weeks to clear, and they always keep coming back! Although you can manage the symptoms with topical creams and oral medications, these traditional treatments take ages to work.
Are you losing the battle to canker sores? Park Avenue Dental Care has a modern solution. Drs. Gregory Duffner, Alexander Dolinar, and James J. Kreuz offer laser treatment in Homewood, Illinois, as a quick and minimally invasive way to treat canker sores.
1. What are canker sores?
Also known as recurrent aphthous ulcers or RAUs, canker sores are small and painful sores that form inside your mouth. Canker sores usually have white or yellow centers with red outlines. They commonly form under the tongue, on the cheeks, and inside the lips. The name “canker” is quite fitting, as it originates from the Greek word aphthae, meaning “to set on fire.”
Canker sores are often confused with cold sores, but the two differ. Cold sores are contagious and caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They are also likely to appear around the outer lips. A virus doesn’t cause canker sores and they’re not infectious. However, they are painful and can disrupt everyday activities like eating and talking.
2. What are the causes of canker sores?
The exact cause of canker sores isn’t known, but the triggers are known. Canker sores can be caused by an injury, such as biting the cheeks or tongue.
They can also be triggered by:
- Stress
- Food sensitivities
- Harsh oral products
- Allergies
- Hormonal changes
- Immune-suppressing conditions like herpes and HIV/AIDS
For some people, preventing canker sores can be challenging, but reducing their occurrence is possible. Observe good oral hygiene and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Practice stress management techniques and avoid foods that are too hot, spicy, or acidic. Also, avoid oral products and toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate and other harsh chemicals.
3. What can I expect from laser treatment?
Laser treatment uses light technology to treat canker sores. The dentist directs the laser on the affected areas, a procedure completed within 10 minutes. Laser technology often provides immediate pain relief by desensitizing nerve endings during the procedure. Lasers stimulate cellular activity, lessening pain and allowing the sore to heal much faster.
Laser technology also prevents future breakouts in the same area, especially if they are caused by certain microbial activities. Laser treatment sterilizes the tissue by eliminating bacteria and viruses, reducing the likelihood of future sores developing. Furthermore, laser treatment calms the irritated tissues where canker sores form, creating a less hospitable environment for recurring ulcers.
4. Benefits of laser treatments?
Laser treatments don’t involve incisions or medications, which can cause systemic side effects. Here are the benefits of laser treatments.
- Minimally invasive treatment
- The treatment is painless, and no anesthesia is needed
- The targeted approach leaves healthy tissues unscathed
- Immediate outcomes
- Minimal side effects and no downtime
5. Do you need canker sore laser treatment?
While canker sores are harmless, they can be painful and annoying. You don’t have to brave uncomfortable sores thanks to laser treatments in Homewood, Illinois. Laser treatment is a quick way to manage canker sores and only takes a single session. Call (708) 792-2779 to reserve an appointment with Park Avenue Dental Care to get started.
